If our children are going to remain faithful to God in a time of trials and persecution there are some things we have to do to prepare them for something we have never faced before. One of those things is . . .Live Light

After looking at Making Money Matter, you might be thinking that I am saying everything is bad. That is not how I feel about it. How is it justifiable to go out to eat, have cars, TV’s, nice clothes, houses, etc. and be growing closer to God? How can a car help my relationship with God? How does going out to eat (which my daughter and I did last night) get me closer to Heaven? The answer lies in our attitudes and motivations, in other words, the why we have it and how we use it. A car can be used to take someone to the bar or casino, or it can be used to take someone to church or a doctor. A car can be a status symbol we use to show how important and cool we think we are or it can be a functional tool that we use to serve others. Similarly, eating out costs more than a home cooked meal (dinner with my daughter was about $20 which is about double what it cost for all 7 of our family to eat dinner the night before), so, why choose to spend money that way? Simply because relationships are more important than money. My daughter and I were able to have some special time together to talk and bond with each other which ultimately will help in the effort to get her to Heaven. That certainly doesn’t mean that I should take her out every night because then it is not a special occasion but just a routine that no longer develops the relationship. It is possible to do special things that don’t cost more money, and we need to do that as well. In fact, in the absence of resources we can be creative to find ways to do things that are special to build relationships.

Money is not to be our god, but a tool we use to get closer to God and bring others closer to God. We must also be sure that we don’t worship and serve our possessions (or any of the things the money buys), but make sure they serve us. When I say that we need to teach kids to live light there is a literal need for us to avoid having too much stuff, and a desperate need to intellectually and emotionally separate our selves from the stuff. If there is a time of persecution, one of the things that would quickly be lost is possessions. We sing the song “This World Is Not My Home”, but we seem to try to make it our home by the possessions we accumulate. I remember reading about a missionary’s child who grew up learning that everything was either a tool or an idol. Think about some possession that is precious to you and how you would feel if it were stolen or destroyed in a fire, or broken by one of your children or grandchildren. Are you imagining or maybe remembering those feelings? How does that feel? How important is that thing in the scope of your life? How important is it in consideration of eternity?

I am not saying that we should not take care of the things in our possession, the Bible teaches good stewardship. Being neglectful or destructive with our possessions or the possessions of others is not good stewardship. If you had to flee what would you take with you? How much of that precious stuff could you fit in your car in an emergency escape setting? Again, I am not saying that it is sinful to have nice things in your nice house, but that emotionally and intellectually we have to count it as already lost. If there is something so dear to us that we could not leave it behind to save our selves and our families from capture or death there is a problem. There is no item that is more precious than human life, even a one of a kind antique or work of art. And, if that is true of physical life, how much more true of spiritual life? Jesus asked what a man would give in exchange for his soul, and that is something we should ask ourselves about every thing in our lives.

I remember reading about the discoveries in Pompeii several years ago. They found one woman who appeared to be running away from the lava, but who had seemingly turned around to reach back for something when the lava overtook her. What had been so important that she would turn back toward certain death? Was she trying to save another person, maybe a child? No, as they continued to dig they found she was reaching back for some jewelry. She might not have been able to escape regardless, but one wonders how much time she wasted getting those things instead of just getting out. How many times had she dropped something and stopped to pick them up taking away even more precious time? Jesus warned about the destruction of another city, Jerusalem, and exhorted people to flee without going back for anything, just run for your life. Because of his warning the Christians escaped Jerusalem before it was destroyed, but they lost houses, lands, possessions, and even family that did not believe.

The fact is when persecution arises things will become much less important in the scheme of things. However, if we wait for persecution before putting things in perspective we will fail to make the corrections if the persecution does not come, and that could cost us our eternal life. In order to avoid that we need to adjust our priorities now. Paul talked about the difference in mindset that we should have as Christians. In Philippians 3:7-9 he says he counts all things as loss for Christ and even compares them to dung. We need to prepare emotionally and mentally to give up possessions so that it will not be difficult to literally and physically give them up when the time comes. We will give them all up at death ready or not. It is good to actually give up some things along the way. Most of us could probably give up half of what we have and not be impacted significantly. We have closets full of clothes and only wear 20% of them plus we have more packed away somewhere. There is a multi-million dollar industry that rents space for people to store stuff that they can’t fit in their houses, garages, sheds, etc. Much of that stuff has not even been seen in months or years and people are buying more stuff to put in their already overpacked houses. If evolution were true humans would not have evolved from apes, but from packrats.

It never ceases to amaze me that we constantly have these amazing inventions that are supposed to save us so much time, and yet, everyone I meet has less time than people did just a generation or two ago. It we invent many more of these marvelous time-saving contraptions we may need a time machine to go with them so that we can go back in time to have enough time to use them. Remember when people had time to sit on the porch and talk or sit around the table and play games with each other, or read books, etc.? Things seem to be taking control of our lives. We have to work more to make more to have more that costs more and takes more of our time. We are in danger of being possessed by our own possessions! Who owns who?

Don’t think that I am perfect at this or have figured out what is necessary and what is excess, but the fact is the Bible teaches us that we should be content with food and clothing. Can you imagine life with only food and a little clothing? I know I can’t. Many years ago they asked about necessities and made a list. It was a good bit longer than food, shelter, and clothing, but not nearly as long as the one they did several years later that had over 100 items on it. I wonder what the list of things considered necessities would be today. If we don’t learn to live light and teach our children to do the same, then we will be too weighed down to rise and meet Jesus in the air when he returns. - jp

If our children are going to remain faithful to God in a time of trials and persecution there are some things we have to do to prepare them for something we have never faced before. One of those things is . . .Make Money Matter

We have to impress our children with the conviction that it is folly to trust in riches, but that it is not a sin to have and use wealth if we do it God’s way. It is the love of money and not the money itself that is the problem. Money will not keep you from having a headache, but you will be able to buy aspirin if you have some of it. Obviously, there are much more expensive events that we may need money to overcome.

We need to be honest about the money we spend. First we need to actually look and see where our money is going, then we need to make a plan. Are the things we are buying helping us in our relationship with God or are they hindering our progress toward Heaven. There was a scene in a movie years ago that showed a man who had lost his wealth. As he was leaving what had been his extravagant house he began to pick up items saying that he would be okay as long as he could keep this item and that item and before long he had more than he could carry and he couldn’t even walk anymore. Sometimes we are the same way with all of our stuff. Our possessions are weighing our souls down so that we struggle to walk toward Heaven.

We also need to ask if we are using our money to help others get to Heaven. Even if we were able to say that none of our spending was hindering our trip toward eternal life, we are falling short if we are not using it to bring others to Christ. There are many charities out there that do wonderful things in this physical world, like finding cures for diseases, protecting the environment or helping feed the hungry, but if that is all they do it is not enough. Even if we could eliminate poverty and disease completely the more serious problem of sin would still destroy souls. There is nothing inherently wrong with trying to make this world better, but what value is this life compared to eternity. Jesus fed hungry people and healed sick people, but He did not come for that reason. He came to seek and save the lost, and as Christians that is the first obligation we have toward others after taking care of our own.

Why do so many of us wind up mediocre with money? One of the biggest problems is not that we are doing bad things with money, but that we are not doing the best things with it. If a family goes out to eat once a week and spends $50 more than a home cooked meal would have been and imagine if this couple did that from the time they were married through their 50th anniversary, then over that 50 years this couple would have spent $130,000 eating out. Think about how much more it would be if they used credit cards and paid interest on it over the years! In fact, if they charged their first dinner and left it to accrue interest and paid for the rest of those dinners, that one $50 dinner rolled over month after month at 10% interest would wind up costing over $5,800! Now that is an expensive dinner. Is it wrong for a family to go out to eat? Certainly not, but even too much of an okay thing can destroy what is best.

The enemy of the best is not the worst, it is the ‘good enough’. How often do we look around and think we are doing ‘good enough’ or ‘better than a lot of people’. I imagine the servant who buried his master’s money in Jesus’ parable of the talents probably thought those thoughts. At least I won’t lose it may have been his motto, but Jesus called him a wicked and lazy servant (Matthew 25:26). God expects us to be wise with the things of this world. Jesus said that if we can’t do well with these worldly things we will never be trusted with true riches (Luke 16:11-13). So, probably the most difficult question we have to ask is: “Am I doing what is best with the money entrusted to me?” Of course if we are honest we must admit that we are not doing the best with all of our money. We need to make an effort to improve this area of our money and train our children to have wiser money habits than we have had.

The fact is we have to make money matter because money matters. Money is a proving ground for us and how we handle it says a great deal about our character. When we remember that it all belongs to God, that we are only managing it for Him, and that we will answer to Him for our management, we will need to change the way we use it. I know I can think of many things I have done with money that are not what God would have wanted done with His money. Over a lifetime a person may easily have over $2 million go through his hands. What is there to show for it at the end of that lifetime? - jp

If our children are going to remain faithful to God in a time of trials and persecution there are some things we have to do to prepare them for something we have never faced before. One of those things is . . . Make Money Matter

As Christians our focus should be spiritual, but we live in a physical world and money is a part of that world. We will be judged for how we deal with money, possessions, and our stewardship of them. Too many Christians in America spend more money each year on late fees and interest for their debt than they give to the work of the Lord. That can’t be called good stewardship. In Luke 16:1-13 Jesus tells a parable and makes some statements about money, stewardship, and using them in relationships. The fact is that Christ had more to say about money than many other subjects. It has been said that there are over 800 verses about money in the Bible. God even established a monetary system for his nation, Israel, and though He did not do that with His church, He does give guidance for us on how to handle it.

One of the things that Jesus taught while He was here was that His followers should be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). In one of His parables (Luke 16:1-13) His lesson is that we should use money to develop our relationships, or we might say invest in our friendships instead of using our friends, family and other relationships to make money. The reason He gives is that when necessary our relationships can be more powerful resources than money. That being said money can be an extremely helpful tool when it is used wisely and is the servant and not the master.

Consider men like Barnabas who were able to sell land and help the needy in the Jerusalem church. How was he able to do that? If he had not wisely handled his financial affairs in the past he would not have had any means to help in the time of need. Jesus promised there will always be those who are poor (Mark 14:7). Even in the church there will be those who need financial help for one reason or another. This will be especially true as the level of negativity toward Christians increases to the point that there is discrimination against them or they lose income and/or employment as a result of standing for what is right and refusing to commit sins to keep those jobs or that income.

While life is not about the accumulation of wealth, the Bible does teach us to take care of our own household and management of money as well as other resources is a necessary part of obeying that teaching. The Bible says in Proverbs 21:20 that wise people have treasure and oil, but foolish people spend everything. By that definition many of us in America are foolish because we spend everything and then borrow more and spend that too. The problem is that at some point that comes to an end. In Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish virgins the wise had extra oil with them and the foolish ran out. Most in our society would think that the ones who had some oil should share with the ones that ran out, but Jesus doesn’t have them do that in the story and he calls them wise for refusing. Their answer when asked to share was that if they did they would not have enough for themselves. God loves sharing, but sharing is to come from a surplus not from what is needed for the individual or his family.

Considering all of these things we need to quit spending wastefully and store up resources for our families’ needs during difficult times. It doesn’t matter whether it is an actual persecution of Christians, or a natural disaster, illness, lost job, war, or any other emergency that occurs; money and resources will be useful.We must emphasize our trust in God, but also our obedience to his teachings about caring for our families.

How much of your life focus is on stuff and money, status symbols and image? Probably more than you are willing to admit. Do the things that you and your family have and spend money on help you get closer to God or pull you away from Him. I will make this disclaimer that I have not seen this movie, but I do plan to soon. The reviews that I have seen and the trailer make it look like a great family film that emphasizes the importance of people over things and God above all. I am sure that there are some denominational leanings in it, but the message of God or mammon is certainly a biblical one. Being a father means making some tough decisions and then leading the family the right way. Check out the trailer and the website for yourself. www.standstrongthemovie.com/jp

Generally, the websites posted here are Bible based and put out by members of the church, but there are a few exceptions and this is one of them. What all websites mentioned have in common is that they will help your family Build Your Wall. One of the biggest problems for families is the financial struggles they face. It is not easy to deal with the money side of life, so we need some encouragement in this area. Did you know that Jesus spoke more about money than He did about love? Hard to believe I know, but He knew what a struggle it would be for people. Dave Ramsey is not a member of the church, and some of his thoughts will not always fit with the scriptures, but the good of learning how to take control of your families finances and work together as a family will help you build your wall and be able to help others as well. His website has lots of free information as well as things to buy. His radio show is archived and streamed live free on the site as well. His teaching on being debt free may seem radical, but we have found the financial peace that he speaks of by following those ideas.It is worth at least

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. (Proverbs 31:11)She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.(Proverbs 31:16)She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.(Proverbs 31:18)She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. (Proverbs 31:24)She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. (Proverbs 31:27)

I find it interesting that so many of these verses about the 'virtuous woman' deal with money issues. There are many more that mention the things she makes, but doesn't say she makes money from them.

A Christian wife and mother has many responsibilities in the home. One of the most important of these is in the area of finances. Today we will look at a few that may or may not directly linked to these passages about the 'virtuous woman.'

1. Give back to God. When we become Christians, we are bought by God. Why would we not give Him what He deserves? "Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." (Romans 13:7) Honor God by giving back to Him. 10% is what was given in the Old Testament and it is a good place to begin.

2. Make a budget. Money disagreements are among the top problems in marriages. Money fights and problems with money is the number one reason there are divorces in North America. Many times it is due to a lack of plan and lack of discussion about where the money will go. Sit down with your husband and make your plan for each month. My husband wanted to do this for many years before I submitted to his lead. Once we both got on the same 'page', we were blessed for it! Work with your husband instead of being the one to weigh down progress. Jesus spoke about budgets: "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' " (Luke 14:28-30)

3. Stick to the budget! This is another area that I have hindered our progress with money in the past and I'm working on this area more. Our society has mixed up 'wants' and 'needs'. How many times have we bought something that we HAD to HAVE only to have it sit, unused, for months or more? Honestly, we NEED much less than what we have!

Another area that I struggle with sticking to the budget is eating out. I consider it my responsibility to have food on the table so that we don't eat out more than what is in the budget. Healthy meals are also a priority to me and they take time to prepare, so I'm working diligently to have them ready at meal times to avoid those eating out 'failures'.

4. Avoid Debt. Debt is a burden you don't have to carry. It weighs down the spirit and can destroy marriages. The Bible is pretty clear on this. I believe it is an area where we don't teach properly. Our children need to be taught this concept as well. Let's see what the Bible says about this: "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8) Here are two verses I never connected together before, but just put them together: "You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men." (1 Corinthians 7:23) AND "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender." (Proverbs 22:7) Something else comes right before that verse that I hadn't connected before, but heard recently: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender." (Proverbs 22:6-7) Let's both teach our children and be an example to them in the area of debt.

5. Work to lower expenses. There are many areas where we can cut expenses in the home. Recently I heard this cost comparison: 1 lb. of apples = $1.38/lb.; 1 lb. potato chips = $3.00! Our family has made the decision to make many things home made instead of paying for it. This is healthier for our bodies and our wallets, but it does take time to do so. Some women use coupons to cut costs. I like to search the internet to order some of our food items. I search for the best price and best shipping cost. Another thing that you can do is shop at thrift stores for clothing and items for the home. It is good use of our time if we lower our expenses for food and household items.

6. Look closely at it if you work outside the home. Personally, I'm not against a woman working outside the home. I think it is unwise as a woman has a hard time being the Christian wife and mother she should be if she has another place and people pulling her time and attention away from where her priorities are. If you are working outside the home, carefully weigh everything. Dave Ramsey has this chart in his book, Financial Peace Revisited:Income: Monthly Yearly 1,500 18,000minus - Taxes and payroll deductions 550 6,600TAKE-HOME PAY 950 11,400minus -- More extensive wardrobe 100 1,200 Extra dry cleaning 45 540 Extra mileage depreciates car 50 600 Day care for two kids @ $65ea./wk 560 6,720 Extra meals out due to fatigue 50 600--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------REAL NET INCOME 95 1,140

I'm quite sure that Mr. Ramsey was being pretty tight fisted on the eating out part. I know if it were me and I were working, I would spend much more on eating out in a month! Not to mention that the quick-to-prepare meals cost extra than taking time to cook healthy meals. Honestly, I'm not sure how a woman working outside the home makes much money when you count all the cost! Weigh everything carefully when you consider working outside the home.

7. Save. Let's face it emergencies happen. If you have a savings you have a sense of peace that when Murphy visits you don't have to borrow. The money is there when you need it. This helps so much to have a piece of mind to keep your sanity. The Bible is clear, however, to not go overboard. " 'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' " (Matthew 6:19-21) But it is wise to have some money set aside. Let's look at what Proverbs tells us: "There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up." (Proverbs 21:20) "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just." (Proverbs 13:22)

Let's be the wife mentioned in Proverbs: "House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD." (Proverbs 19:14) A prudent wife knows wisdom and follows it.